[Smoke842]

Just read an article on Jayski that on autoextremeist.com, a manufacturer currently in Nascar is having serious talks about leaving the sport, to the point that they are discussing the ending date and the current contract expiration dates with the different teams. Sounds like they are coming to the realization that the $140 million they spend every year isn't worth it anymore, especially with Toyota coming in. I would provide the link if I wasn't a computer dummy, maybe someone can help me with that.

Please please please let it not be Chevy...

Edit: Also, FYI, if you watch Cup qualifying, it's tonite, Thursday on Speed, 8:30 p.m. eastern time.

[rave20]

Well I know that all three had major discussions about two years ago unhappy with the COT plan and with Nascar's continual tweaking. Maybe some are bailing. I'd guess Ford because they are making major changes. Just announced a plant closing in my area costing about 2000 jobs. Then again may just be some posturing going on too. omebody will step in anyway. The COT opens that up for everybody. Too much ad advantage not to fill in.


how about that Home Depot Volkswagon against the Budweiser Subaru !!!

Couldn't find the article you were talking about though.

[Nevadastars]

Smoke, thanks for the info. I was wondering if the CoT or Toyotas involvement would have an affect on the Big Threes future in Cup. We are seeing a slow but sure, major transformation in the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing. I feel its for the worse, but then again, I'm old school. I took the liberty of finding it on Jayski's site. Here is the total article........


One of the Manufacturers pulling out of NASCAR? an autoextremeist.com column is reporting that: It has come to our attention that serious discussions are taking place for the first time in the conference rooms of one domestic manufacturer in particular on a subject heretofore unthinkable in Detroit. The subject? Pulling out of NASCAR. Yes, it has been mentioned before, and I have predicted it for months now - ever since the announcement was made that Toyota would be buying its way into the France family circus - but we have confirmation that not only are the discussions taking place, they're so far down the road that a timetable for a pullout has been created, taking into account the end dates of existing contracts with individual racing teams currently aligned with this particular manufacturer. This Detroit manufacturer has decided that if it competes in motorsports in the future, it will only compete in three basic areas: 1. In production-based racing series that by rule and specification retain more than a passing resemblance to the cars they sell and the competitors they compete against in showrooms. 2. "Technical" efforts, in other words, engine programs for open-wheel and prototype racing series, but stopping short of Formula 1. And 3. Developing an effort to compete for the overall victory at Le Mans. Any other efforts, grass-roots racing, drag racing, etc., would be covered as the need and budget allow.(in part....see full article at autoextremeist.com, note: thr article doesn't say which manufacturer COULD be leaving [Chevy, Dodge, Ford] and this column will only be up a few days), Peter M. DeLorenzo, who owns and writes for the site has been on Speed Channel's Wind Tunnel a few times and tends to be controversal and a bit anti-NASCAR, however doesn't tend to just post stuff for the sake of posting it and has a lot of sources.(4-20-2006)

[LSC9901]

This could actually be the answer to the problem . Maybe the manufacturers will withdraw from "NASCAR" and then start a new "stock" car series without the France Circus. I know I'm slowly getting discouraged with NASCAR. The France klan is turning it into another IROC series. I'll be more than happy to follow the group that wants to be "stock car" drivers/teams.

[rave20]

The problem it would answer would be that of the IRL and CART series. They'd like nothing better than to see Nascar split like they did. Hasn't worked out so well for them though!

[oncea3fan]

yes but there is a much larger following for the stockcars in the U.S. than the open wheels. when was the last time an open wheel race sold out a year in advance , less INDY, thats just tradition.

most NASCAR fans have been feel left out and abused for thier money.

I think now wouldbe the purfect time to introduce a new series, lots of tracks want race dates.

[rave20]

Well lets get it started! We could be the next France family!!

I go a different direction I guess. While I like some of the variables in the stock concept I like the idea of IROC in NASCAR. That allows us to see which drivers and yes even teams really are the best becuase all else is equal. I think with the way we are spoiled now, knowing each race that it will be close, most guys will finish on the lead lap, we couldn't handle the realities of true stock cars. I know I don't want to watch my guy drive around inthe "Bobby Allison AMC Matador of today." I watched, listened to a lot of those races. It was fun from one standpoint. You truly never knew who would finish but you knew the winner would be one of a few drivers each week.

It has changed a lot but that change has been for a reason...to make it more interesting, more entertaining and more competitive. I'd be curious to see the truly stock division but doubt that would be where I'd flip if it was between the two. Then again I cheer for the driver I really don't care what manufacturers emblem is on the hood.

[rave20]

I changed my mind by the way. I think it likley Dodge that is talking about pulling out. Their car doesn't look anything like the real thing, they are complaining about the nose piece, and they con't run the much advertised and well selling Hemi. Plus they were loking at pulling out not long ago. Where would that leave Evernham if I'm right??

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by oncea3fan

yes but there is a much larger following for the stockcars in the U.S. than the open wheels. when was the last time an open wheel race sold out a year in advance , less INDY, thats just tradition.

most NASCAR fans have been feel left out and abused for thier money.

I think now wouldbe the purfect time to introduce a new series, lots of tracks want race dates.

I agree, we are a much larger group. I'd be very willing to see a new series and I think the France clan would be surprised at how many people (fans) would jump ship. I'd pay money to see some "stock" car racing. I don't really believe that "stock" cars are the answer but I do feel that the teams should follow the true body style much closer .... among other things.

[Zack Man]

Chevy isn't going to leave Nascar. How much success have they had in Cup and manufacturing championships.

[oncea3fan]

I do feel that the teams should follow the true body style much closer


that what I believe also.

[Wampinrock]

Haven't posted in a while...seeing that most are willing to cave to the COT...surprising that some are thinking about pulling out...NOT...the manufacturers make money on the brand identification. As to the 'Detroit' reference: Ford headquarters is in Detroit...GM is in Lansing...Dodge is in Bonn, or Munich or somewhere in Germany (ain't no BIG # and more...it's a BIG 2, or more aptly, the mediocre two.) Shameful that this is happening...the advent of the COT may have been France's way of 'watering-down' the advent of the Toyota and Datsun and Nissan etc... It has come to the time when the NASCAR people tout "We live by tradition" as only a spin...(don't let O'Reilly read this). Those that have read some of my torrid rants may not be surprised that I would endorse another league...and we should not fear what happened to the other split leagues...as you are quite correct in observing that the stock car fans are far more avid and dedicated to allow any slip-shod cokc-a-mamie organization to represent them. The stock car fever has bittent far and away too many people to let the France pocketbook to rule...y'all kin only take so much. Bring on the "back to the basics" racing and I'll betcha that, after a while of heartbreaking attempts to get serious with the networks etc...all will once again be well. Can you imagine France telling us that we have to fork over $$$ to watch a NASCAR event through Pay Per View...it's a-commin'. By-the-Way...who was it that suggested that one of our fellow correspondents is going a table dance in the grand stands at the 'Daga? THAT would be worth a ticket!! Sorry for the daggers, but I just hate to see our beloved sport go to the off-shore dudes. Why are the big two having trouble...all those foreign vehicles on the road are eating away at your sport, your economy and your future jobs...(Just that way of it, I guess).

[TN_Gal]

Originally Posted by Wampinrock

By-the-Way...who was it that suggested that one of our fellow correspondents is going a table dance in the grand stands at the 'Daga? THAT would be worth a ticket!!

The lap dance comment was made in reference to a post in an earlier thread when discussing a future chatt room for this site.....it was posted in fun...

Now to be serious....if the only way to see a televised race would be PPV would truly suck. Although it would free up my Sundays!!!

I went to Daytona and now Dega this weekend is the last race I have tix for ...I have not been able to bring myself to order tix for the fall Atlanta or Dega race yet. I have this bit of dis-enchantment peeking over my shoulder and have a mental red flag nagging me, I schedule my weekends around qualifying, practice times and the races...that's ok, that's my choice. But what's nagging me is that I have been sucked into this NASCAR merchandising frenzy...heck, a friend gave me a Kensenth Pez Dispenser!! Come on....

I plan on having a great time at the track (weather permitting...they are calling for rain)...but I am keeping my money in my pocket. I may have me a giant turkey leg if I get hungry.....yeee-hah.

Cant wait to see the new bumpers in action......maybe by the end of the race there will be 30-40 cars running around the track with no front ends on them.....like Jr's car a few races back. That would send a message...